Wilson takes HCC board seat smoothly

Dave Wilson, left, confers with his attorney during Wednesday's court hearing that ended with a ruling in his favor.

Photo By Michael Paulsen/Staff

Dave Wilson talks to members of the media at the Harris County Civil Courthouse, Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in Houston. The Harris County attorney sued Houston Community College trustee-elect Dave Wilson in December, alleging the small business owner and anti-gay activist was not a resident of District II when he was elected to the post in November. ( Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle )

After weeks of court battles and campaign antics, newly elected Houston Community College trustee Dave Wilson took his board seat Thursday with no drama.

Trustees, as expected, did not prevent Wilson from joining the board. Wilson's long-term fate as a trustee, however, still is in question. The Harris County Attorney's Office has filed a lawsuit trying to keep Wilson off the board, alleging he does not live in District 2. A court hearing on the residency issue is scheduled for next Friday.

Wilson, an anti-gay activist, drew national attention after the November election when he defeated long-time HCC trustee Bruce Austin by 25 votes for the District 2 seat. Critics contend Wilson misled voters in the predominantly black district with ads suggesting that he was black.

In the lawsuit, filed in December, County Attorney Vince Ryan alleges that Wilson does not live in District 2. Wilson counters that he does, in fact, live in a large warehouse on 34th Street, although his wife lists another property, located outside the HCC district, as her residential homestead.

Community organizer Carlos Calbillo said he showed up to the board meeting Thursday expecting "fireworks," but it began quietly. Newly elected board chairwoman Neeta Sane welcomed Wilson and the other three new trustees. And members of the community brought Wilson a bouquet of flowers with a card that said, "Congratulations."